Movers & Shakers: Suave Soirée

A magical night awaits at Diner en Blanc.Last year, Spears Consulting Group and its Social Renaissance (a series of four annual events tailored to young professionals across the region) brought the international phenomenon Diner en Blanc to New Orleans as only the fourth U.S. city to host the event. This year, on May 10, they’ll be doing it again.

Diner en Blanc is a magical evening of dinner, wine, entertainment and a host of surprises throughout the evening. Intrigue begins at the very start, because the event location is top-secret, even to attendees. Guests sign up online, select a pickup location and meet other dinner-goers at central hubs across the metro area. They are then taken via private shuttle to the undisclosed location. Last year’s event turned out 900 attendees. This year, organizers are expecting 1,500. All guests will arrive at the same time, dressed in white, to take part in a chic outdoor dinner party with 1,500 of their closest friends.

It is referred to as an international phenomenon because this type of event has occurred across the globe for more than 25 years. The idea originated in Paris and remained solely a French concept for quite a while; however, during the past 10 years, the concept has expanded to every continent, in more than 30 countries around the world — places like Australia, Singapore, Spain and Rwanda, to name a few. New York was the first U.S. city to host the massive dinner party, and other cities followed right along — with New Orleans being a part of the initial expansion wave. Many other U.S. cities will be hosting their first Diner en Blanc in 2014.

New Orleans will again kick off the U.S. 2014 season, hosting the first Diner en Blanc of the year. The evening creates an experience not soon forgotten, and the event costs only $25 to $30 (depending on your pickup location). Guests bring everything they need for the dinner, including food, wine, pop-up table, chairs, tablecloths, etc. It then becomes the responsibility of the host to ensure that the rest of the experience is magical by providing a beautiful setting, great entertainment and other experiential elements to make the evening come together.

Last year’s Diner en Blanc took place on the banks of the Mississippi River, lit up by the Crescent City Connection bridge. Guests enjoyed the sounds of Mia Borders, The Free Agents Brass Band and live DJs. Guests also enjoyed complimentary photos from a photo booth, giveaways, complimentary Champagne tastings and much more.

Social Renaissance organizers say that this year’s Diner en Blanc will feature more entertainment, more surprises and more magic than the 2013 inaugural year.

Those interested in participating in this year’s Diner en Blanc can sign up on the waiting list at neworleans.dinerenblanc.info. Registration for the event opens April 1, but those on the waiting list will have first preference for attendance. Those with questions about the event can contact organizers at neworleans@dinerenblanc.info.